As parliamentary debate on Labor's proposed $4.1 billion scheme got underway on Monday night, Senator Di Natale said it was just the first step towards what he hoped would eventually be a universal dental health system.

Australia used to be a leader in children's oral health but had slipped to the point where the nation's young were suffering because of the cost of care, he said.

However, the current reforms would be the biggest in dental health in Australia's history.

The six-year package includes $2.7 billion for children aged two to 18, $1.3 billion for adults on low incomes and $225 million to expand services in outer metropolitan, regional and remote areas.

"For the first time, Australian families will be able to take out their Medicare card and get dental treatment for their children just like they do at the doctor," Senator Di Natale told the Senate.

"This focus on children is a good investment of the future dental health of the country."